WFES News You Choose, Friday, January 23, 2026

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In This Week's Issue...


Teacher and students learning at a table

Ms. Hincapie enjoying learning time with students.


Important Upcoming Dates

January 27:   PTA Bingo Night - 6:30 pm (snow date TBD)

January 28:   2-Hour Early Release (1:25 pm) - End of Quarter

January 29:   NO SCHOOL - Staff Development Day 

January 30:   NO SCHOOL - Teacher Workday


Message from Principal Prindle

Dear Wakefield Forest Families, 

 

It has been a bustling week at Wakefield Forest. We were busy wrapping up the quarter with district math and reading assessments. Results from these will be sent home in February and can also be found in Parentvue once the testing window closes. 

I want to give a massive shout-out to our incredible 5th and 6th Grade Chorus, along with the talented Mrs. Hibbitts and Ms. Callahan. Their concert was truly amazing; the harmonies filled the room!

Additionally, we were wowed by the precision and energy of the 5th Grade Sword Dance performance. It was a spectacular display of teamwork and focus. We are so proud of our talented artists and performers!

Stay tuned to the news for changes to our schedule next week. We hope the kids can enjoy time in the snow.

 

Sincerely,

 

Sharyn Prindle

Principal

Wakefield Forest ES


❄️ Prepare for Winter Weather

School buses in snow.

Winter weather is on the way! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS. 

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange emergency child care if needed.

Winter Resources for Families

A list of resources has been compiled for students and families in case they or someone they know needs assistance while schools are closed for winter weather. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources page for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

Even If School Is Closed, Learning Can Continue!

We encourage students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during snow or inclement weather days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play at home.


How to Update Info in ParentVUE

It is important that WFES has the most recent emergency contact information for each student. Parents are encouraged to use the link below to access the online forms and verify that their contact information is up to date.

ParentVUE Online Verification/Update (OVU) Packet

If your work or cell phone number has changed, an additional person needs to be authorized to pick up your child, or if anyone on your emergency care list has changed, parents can make all of these updates within the form. If you have any questions, please contact our school registrar at salbermani@fcps.edu.


Boys Turnpike Night at Woodson TONIGHT, Jan. 23rd

It is Turnpike Basketball night at CG Woodson High School! Turnpike players Grades 1-6 wearing a jersey will get in free with a paying adult.

Boys: Friday, 1/23 @7:30 vs South County

Come with your family, or come with your team to cheer on your Woodson Cavaliers!

basketball

Woodson Winter Carnival - Jan. 24th

Snowflake cookies

Date:      January 24, 2026
Time:      11am-1pm
Location: CG Woodson High, Cav Hall

Enter Through Door 7

GAMES, COOKIE DECORATING,
HOT CHOCOLATE BAR
FREE ADMISSION


PTA Bingo Night - Jan. 27th

On Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 6:30 pm, we will be having our annual PTA Bingo Night. We plan to have 10 awesome prize baskets and several fun raffle items. During previous years, raffle items included gift cards to local restaurants and stores, tickets to Washington Capitals and Wizards games, signed memorabilia, bicycles, and more!

If FCPS closes on Tuesday, Bingo Night will not be held that evening. A snow date is being discussed, if needed, and more information will come later.


Lost and Found to be Donated on Jan. 28th

lost and found

Brrrr...it's COLD outside and the lost and found is full of many warm coats, jackets, sweatshirts and more. Please have your child stop to look, or come in anytime to check for items your family may be missing. It all will be donated at the end of the day on January 28th.


Immunizations for Rising 7th Grade Students

All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap),Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

Questions? Contact WFES Registrar, Soudad Albermani at salbermani@fcps.edu


FCPS Student Experience Survey

survey

Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.

All students in grades 3-6, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 23. We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 23, and Friday, March 6. Any student may take the survey at home if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You will receive a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out if you choose. 

We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which include a focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.


WFES Green Team Eco-Code Contest

Are you creative and want to contribute to the Green Team?  Help create our new WFES Eco-Code! Create a design, a drawing, a graphic or a poem that represents what our Green Team mission is at WFES. Students and staff will vote for their favorite entry and the winner will receive a prize from the Green Team.  Entries are due to Ms. Muratore on January 30, 2026.  We will vote the first week of February and announce our first ever Eco-Code winner!

Mission statement: Encouraging environmental stewardship through hands-on environmental action in our school and community with activities such as reducing waste, conserving energy, planting and maintaining wildlife habitats, and tending to edible gardens.

Examples


Parenting Classes - Fairfax County Department of Family Services

  • Free Parenting Classes (Ages 0–4) Tuesdays starting Jan. 27 | In person, Alexandria (5:30–8 p.m.) Free classes for parents of young children focused on child development, nurturing routines, infant massage, and building self-esteem. 
  • Free African American Culturally Focused Parenting Classes (Ages 5–18) Tuesdays starting Jan. 27 | Virtual (6–8 p.m.) Supportive, culturally focused parenting classes for Fairfax County families raising African American children. 
  • Free Parenting Classes (Ages 12–18) Mondays starting Feb. 2 | Virtual (6–8 p.m.) Weekly classes for parents of teens covering communication, adolescent development, and building self-esteem. 
  • Questions? Email or call 703-324-7720. Learn more about all parenting classes 

Happy Singers - Chorus Concert

chorus concert

Ms. Callahan and Ms. Hibbitts prepared our students well for their winter concert. 


Order WFES Yearbook - Deadline April 10th

Don't wait! Order your child's 2025-56 yearbook today. Cost is $14.00.

Order online at:  www.strawbridge.net

Online code: YB33499

order yearbook

New...BRYC Girls Flag Football

Let Her Play. Let Her Lead.

A brand-new girls-only flag football league is launching — and YOU’RE invited to be part of the first-ever season!

Why Girls Flag Football?

Girls Flag Football is:

  • Fast-growing across the country.

  • Fun, competitive, and social.

  • A chance to build confidence, friendships, and skills.

  • A sport with a real future, including high school and college opportunities.

Play With Your Friends

  • Sign up with friends, teammates, or classmates.

  • Entire friend groups can join and play together.

  • New players welcome — no experience required!

  • If you’ve played BRYC co-ed flag before, you already know how fun it is.

Easy to Fit Your Schedule

  • Sundays only: Practices and games are held on the same day.

  • Designed as a secondary sport: Great for athletes who already play soccer, softball, lacrosse, or basketball.

Registration & Discount Info

Get 25% OFF registration with a code from the Deputy Commissioner!

How to register:

  1. Visit: https://clubs.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1463784

  2. Select BRYC Girls Flag Football.

  3. Enter your 25% discount code.

  4. Get ready to play!


Contact Us

Attendance: 703-503-2323 or WakefieldForestES.attendance@fcps.edu

Health Room: 703-503-2310

Family Information Phone Lines/Support for families who do not speak English as their first language: Family Information Phone Lines

Technology Support: Resources for Families Using FCPS Technology

Principal: Sharyn Prindle sbprindle@fcps.edu

Assistant Principal: Amy Williams  alwilliams1@fcps.edu

WFES PTA:  HOME